Biden Wins Puerto Rico Democratic Primary, Residents Cannot Vote in General Election

President Joe Biden has won the 2024 Democratic presidential primary in Puerto Rico, where residents cannot vote in U.S. general elections but can participate in primaries. Biden won around 98% of the vote, facing only nominal opposition from Rep. Dean Phillips and author Marianne Williamson.

As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico will not be able to vote in the November general election, but it does send delegates to the Democratic and Republican national conventions. Biden was the only active candidate remaining in the 2020 Democratic race when Puerto Rico held its primary that year. Former President Trump won the 2024 GOP Puerto Rico primary unopposed.

Puerto Rico was authorized to open only a dozen voting centers this year compared to more than 100 in previous years due to austerity measures imposed by a federal control board overseeing the island's finances. Puerto Rico's Democrats also chose 36 of 65 delegates they hope to send to the National Democratic Convention in Chicago.

Why this matters: Although Puerto Rico residents are U.S. citizens, they are not allowed to vote in U.S. presidential elections. The president of Puerto Rico's Democratic Party said earlier this year that he would seek to hold a symbolic presidential vote in November for those on the island eager to cast a ballot for the next president.

Biden already secured the Democratic nomination last month and his win in Puerto Rico will add at least most of its 55 pledged delegates to his total. "We are very pleased with the turnout and grateful for the support," said a Biden campaign spokesperson. The primary results emphasize both Biden's strong position as the Democratic nominee and the unique political status of Puerto Rico as a U.S. territory.

Key Takeaways

• Biden won 98% of the 2024 Democratic primary in Puerto Rico.
• Puerto Rico residents cannot vote in U.S. general elections but can participate in primaries.
• Puerto Rico will send delegates to the Democratic and Republican national conventions.
• Puerto Rico's Democrats chose 36 of 65 delegates for the National Democratic Convention.
• Biden's win in Puerto Rico will add most of its 55 pledged delegates to his total.